A Week-Long City Experience in Washington D.C.: Exploring Monuments and Landmarks

  • Day 1: Lincoln Memorial
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

    The Lincoln Memorial is an iconic landmark located in the National Mall. It is a neoclassical monument built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln. Visitors can admire the 19-foot marble statue of Lincoln and the inscriptions of his speeches.

  • Day 2: United States Capitol
    20 minutes (3.5 miles) from the Lincoln Memorial

    The United States Capitol is the home of the legislative branch of the U.S. government. Visitors can take a tour of the Capitol and explore its massive dome, exquisite rotunda, and Statuary Hall. The building also houses the U.S. Congress and its chambers for the Senate and House of Representatives.

  • Day 3: National Air and Space Museum
    10 minutes (2 miles) from the United States Capitol

    The National Air and Space Museum is one of the most popular museums in D.C. It has the largest collection of historic aircraft and spacecraft in the world. Visitors can see the Wright Brothers' original plane, Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis, and the Apollo 11 spacecraft. The museum also has interactive exhibits and a planetarium.

  • Day 4: National Museum of African American History and Culture
    15 minutes (2.5 miles) from the National Air and Space Museum

    The National Museum of African American History and Culture is a prominent cultural museum in D.C. It showcases the history, culture, and achievements of African Americans throughout history. Visitors can learn about slavery, civil rights, and contemporary African American culture. The museum has a collection of artifacts, exhibits, and multimedia displays.

  • Day 5: National Gallery of Art
    10 minutes (1 mile) from the National Museum of African American History and Culture

    The National Gallery of Art is a world-renowned art museum located in the National Mall. It has a vast collection of American and European art, from paintings to sculpture to decorative arts. Visitors can view works by artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Vincent van Gogh.

  • Day 6: Library of Congress
    20 minutes (3 miles) from the National Gallery of Art

    The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world and the official research library of the U.S. Congress. Visitors can take a tour and see the Thomas Jefferson Building's stunning architecture and ornate features, including the grand reading room. The library also houses a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and photographs.

  • Day 7: Georgetown Historic District
    15 minutes (3 miles) from the Library of Congress

    The Georgetown Historic District is a charming neighborhood with a rich history and distinct architecture. Visitors can stroll along the charming cobblestone streets, visit the unique shops and boutiques, and admire the lovely row houses. The area also has many restaurants, cafes, and bars.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Lincoln Memorial (1 hour, free)
  • United States Capitol (2 hours, free)
  • National Air and Space Museum (2 hours, free)
  • National Museum of African American History and Culture (3 hours, free)
  • National Gallery of Art (2 hours, free)
  • Library of Congress (2 hours, free)
  • Georgetown Historic District (2 hours, free)

  • Total Estimated Costs: $0

Transportation

Washington D.C. offers a variety of transportation options for tourists. The most convenient and flexible mode of transportation is riding the Metro rail and bus system. The architecture of the Capitol is built close to the Metro Station - this is ideal for any tourist wishing to come around. This means it is also easy to visit other areas of the city such as the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Traveling by taxi, Uber or Lyft is possible, but it may be more expensive than the public transportation option.

Travel Cost: The cost of the Metro fare is dependent on the distance traveled but it's usually between $2-6. Taxi fares start at $3.25 plus $2.16 per mile. Uber and Lyft fares vary depending on demand, distance, and time of day.

Useful Tips

For travelers with more time, it is possible to visit other monuments and landmarks such as the Washington Monument, the Jefferson Memorial, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, and the International Spy Museum. Additionally, there are numerous great bars and restaurants as well as lively nightlife in areas such as Adams Morgan, U Street, and the H Street Corridor. For those with less time, it may be best to choose the most famous landmarks that will give them a cultural insight into the countries culture like the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Airports

The main airport in Washington D.C. is the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). The airport is located in Arlington, Virginia, and is only 3 miles south of Washington D.C. The airport is connected to D.C. by Metro Rail and also has rental car and taxi services available.

0